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Freedom House, Conrad Center shutting down

Freedom House to Cease Operations

RICHMOND, VA. – Freedom House, a feeding and housing operation for homeless adults in the Richmond area, will cease operations by the end of April. At a meeting April 2, 2013, the Board of Directors agreed that it could no longer financially support operations that include The Conrad Center, a feeding program; The Community Shelter, a transitional housing service; and Sean’s Place, a “step-up” housing program that supports permanent relocation.

The Board decision follows a review of Freedom House by Randy Wyckoff, a local business consultant specializing in non-profit management. “This has been a difficult, yet unanimous decision by our board,” said Board President Mark Staff and volunteers are currently finding new placements for its residents and contacting area organizations to relocate the feeding program and other on-site “There are approximately 1,000 homeless individuals in the region and Freedom House houses about 40,” said Cipolletti. “Unfortunately, our business model, as currently structured, is unsustainable.”

Founded in 1983 by area churches, Freedom House opened The Conrad Center (1400 Oliver Hill Way) to provide meals to the homeless with the assistance of some 800 community volunteers. It has also served as the central intake location for those requesting homeless services in the Richmond area.

The Community Center (12th and Hull St.) has provided transitional housing and case management support for 38 single adults for six months to a year. Sean’s Place has provided longer-term housing to four residents as they prepared for self-sufficiency.

“The Board is grateful to the thousands of volunteers, donors and staff who have supported Freedom House and those we have served over the last 30 years,”